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Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Production · SOC 51-8011
0.0% AI Exposure — Low
$122,890
Median Annual Salary
Average
O*NET Outlook
500
Proj. Annual Openings
5,150
Employment (OEWS 2025)
100/100
AI Resiliency Score
AI exposure from the Anthropic Economic Index (2025); salary from BLS; skills from O*NET. See /sources.
AI Exposure Analysis
AI Exposure0.0%
AI Resiliency100/100
Exposure BandLow
Sector Avg. Exposure0.8%
Top Skills
1.Reading Comprehension
2.Operations Monitoring
3.Operation and Control
4.Active Listening
5.Critical Thinking
O*NET occupation profile
What this work involves
Operate or control nuclear reactors. Move control rods, start and stop equipment, monitor and adjust controls, and record data in logs. Implement emergency procedures when needed. May respond to abnormalities, determine cause, and recommend corrective action.
Common titles: Licensed Reactor Operator, Nuclear Control Operator, Nuclear Control Room Operator, Nuclear Plant Operator (NPO), Nuclear Power Reactor Operator, Nuclear Reactor Operator
Representative Tasks
- •Operate nuclear power reactors in accordance with policies and procedures to protect workers from radiation and to ensure environmental safety.
- •Adjust controls to position rod and to regulate flux level, reactor period, coolant temperature, or rate of power flow, following standard procedures.
- •Develop or implement actions such as lockouts, tagouts, or clearances to allow equipment to be safely repaired.
- •Respond to system or unit abnormalities, diagnosing the cause, and recommending or taking corrective action.
- •Monitor all systems for normal running conditions, performing activities such as checking gauges to assess output or the effects of generator loading on other equipment.
Detailed Work Activities
- •Operate energy production equipment.
- •Operate energy distribution equipment.
- •Plan production or operational procedures or sequences.
- •Direct operational or production activities.
- •Monitor equipment operation to ensure proper functioning.
Tools & Technologies
Microsoft Access · hotMicrosoft Azure software · hotMicrosoft Excel · hotMicrosoft PowerPoint · hotMicrosoft SharePoint · hotStructured query language SQL · hotData logging softwarePlant information data entry software
Employment Projections & AI Exposure
15
Occupations Shown
0.5%
Avg AI Exposure
1
Bright Outlook
Sector Comparison
| Metric | This Career | Sector Average |
|---|---|---|
| AI Exposure | 0.0% | 0.8% |
| Outlook | Average | 4% Bright |
| Median Salary | $122,890 | N/A |
| AI Resiliency | 100/100 | N/A |